Trailer Capacity?

[timmerk]

I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD EXT CAB SLE1 with 3.73 axle ratio, and the Power Pack Plus package (5.3L V8, HD Rr Auto Lock Differential, and HD Trailering Equipment). The manual shows the maximum towing capacity as something like 8600 lbs, but the sticker on the hitch shows max as 5000 lbs.

 

How do I figure out the correct one? I assumed I would have had a lot more than 5000 lbs with the HD trailering equipment option. Could the label have just been wrong?

 

Thanks!

[dlstewart01]

I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD EXT CAB SLE1 with 3.73 axle ratio, and the Power Pack Plus package (5.3L V8, HD Rr Auto Lock Differential, and HD Trailering Equipment). The manual shows the maximum towing capacity as something like 8600 lbs, but the sticker on the hitch shows max as 5000 lbs.

 

How do I figure out the correct one? I assumed I would have had a lot more than 5000 lbs with the HD trailering equipment option. Could the label have just been wrong?

 

Thanks!

 

The 5000 lbs is without a weight distributing hitch. Using a WDH the towing capacity is higher.

[FargoZ71]

the 5k max tounge weight before breaking?

[dlstewart01]

the 5k max tounge weight before breaking?

 

 

No, The sticker on my hitch says 600 tongue and 5000 trailer without a WDH.

 

With a WDH it says 1500 tongue and 12000 trailer.

 

This is for hitch only and has nothing to do with what the truck its self is rated for.

[r1byker]

In short, get a bigger/higher rated hitch. They're out there; you just have to search them out.

[TexasAl]

I had that problem when trying to rent one of the new Uhaul Auto transports. Apparently they are much heavier than they were before, and my 5000# hitch receiver would not be able to handle it. With any towing system, you are suppose to go with the lowest rated part, in this case, your hitch receiver. That is crazy how the truck is purchased with a trailering package, and it only comes with a 5000# hitch receiver.

[flhusa1]

if you use the wdh then the other towing equipment will handle it's part. any time you approach a 5 k trailer a wdh hitch is the only way to go. once i used my first wdh hitch with a sway control i was sold.

[tanker4lyfe]

guys what the #5000 figure is refering to is what the reviver can handle at the connection point (where the reciever and ball hitch meet). just make sure you buy a quality ball hitch i personally will only buy Reese products. Also never tow over 85% max capacity and remeber its not the towing you need to worry about its the stopping

[music]

Also never tow over 85% max capacity and remeber its not the towing you need to worry about its the stopping

 

GM rates the truck and already has a "safety factor" built-in. I've towed pretty much at "max ratings" many times and never had any issues, but could always use more power whether at 70% or 100% of capacity. Trailer brakes are required above ~3k lbs, and must be rated to stop the load on their own. My opinion, but I believe the 2008 and earlier ratings on the 1500 trucks are pretty accurate, but have my doubts about some of the new, higher numbers (09+) that came w/ the tow rating wars.

 

OP: As posted, the 5k lbs is the hitch rating without a WD hitch.

[chakis24]

you have a class III receiver. 5000 pounds max without a weight distributing hitch, 12000 pounds with one. 500 pounds tongue weight without, not sure what it is with WDH. your receiver can handle the loads your truck can carry when properly equipped with a WDH (think about it, would gm give you only a class III if the truck could out tow it?).

 

 

here's a pic of a WDH:

 

[[email protected]]

Here is a picture with a WDH in place on a trailer. On this trailer the frame that comprised the tongue was too large for the chain mounts to be bolted/clamped on - - so they had to be welded on. Meaning that the WDH will have to go with the trailer if I change trailers... I'll know better the next time.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[dlstewart01]

Well heres mine...